NERS NEWS — As an effort to increase public knowledge about type 2 diabetes mellitus, Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a health education activity with the theme “Ayo Kenali dan Cegah Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Sejak Dini” on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in RW 3 Asempayung Gebang. This activity was aimed at residents of RW 3 Asempayung Gebang so that they would be able to recognize risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as carry out early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The health education was conducted using lecture and discussion methods supported by leaflet media. The materials presented included the definition of type 2 diabetes mellitus, signs and symptoms, risk factors, methods of early detection through blood glucose testing, prevention efforts, management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and diabetic foot exercises.
In the educational session, participants were given an understanding of the importance of recognizing risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, and increasing age. Participants were also informed about symptoms that should be monitored, including frequent thirst, frequent hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, easy fatigue, blurred vision, and wounds that are difficult to heal.
The education also emphasized the importance of early detection through fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, HbA1c, oral glucose tolerance tests, and regular health screening. In addition, participants were educated about diabetes prevention through a healthy lifestyle, including healthy food consumption based on the 3J principles (Amount, Type, and Schedule), regular physical activity, maintaining an ideal body weight, regular health check-ups, and stress management.
The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus also included education, medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, lifestyle modification, adherence to pharmacological therapy, as well as regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and health conditions. Participants were also introduced to diabetic foot exercises, which aim to help improve blood circulation, maintain muscle strength and flexibility of the foot joints, and help prevent diabetic foot complications.
The activity lasted for 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until completion. The activity consisted of an opening, delivery of the main material for approximately 20 minutes, followed by evaluation, question-and-answer session, conclusion, group documentation, and closing. Participants followed the activity in an orderly manner and were given the opportunity to ask questions about diabetes mellitus and its prevention in daily life.
The health education activity was conducted by Nursing Profession students of Batch B27, Group 2, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, under the supervision of academic advisor Setho Hadisuyatmana, S.Kep., Ns., M.NS (CommHlth&PC)., Ph.D., and clinical supervisor Mus Adah, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes. The presenters in this activity were Lucyola M. Puteri Muna and Fransiska Rina Irawati, with Santy Margaritha as the moderator. The activity was also supported by observers and a note-taker, facilitators, and the documentation team according to the group’s division of tasks.
Based on the activity evaluation, participants showed involvement throughout the education process and were able to follow the materials provided. The evaluation was conducted through process observation and questions to assess participants’ understanding of the material on type 2 diabetes mellitus. The activity proceeded according to the plan prepared in the Health Education Activity Unit.
Through this activity, the students hoped that residents of RW 3 Asempayung Gebang would increasingly understand the importance of early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus and be able to implement healthy living behaviors in their daily lives. Good knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, examinations, prevention, and management is expected to help prevent complications and improve quality of life.
The health education activity “Ayo Kenali dan Cegah Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Sejak Dini” ran smoothly. The leaflets distributed to residents are expected to serve as an information source that can be read again after the activity has ended.
The health education activity “Ayo Kenali dan Cegah Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Sejak Dini” is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through promotive and preventive efforts to increase public knowledge and awareness regarding early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- SDG 4: Quality Education, through the provision of systematic, easy-to-understand, and science-based health education to the community.
Writer: Nanda Durroti El Jaudah
